McNeilus debuts CNG powered concrete mixer

Truck body and concrete mixer manufacturer McNeilus today announced the introduction of the industry’s first concrete mixer truck powered by compressed natural gas. Compared to similar sized diesel trucks the McNeilus CNG concrete mixer offers lower fuel costs, reduced noise and emissions that are six times cleaner.

McNeilus has been manufacturing CNG powered refuse trucks for some time and leveraged that experience into the development of the mixer trucks. The mixer will have a 6-cylinder, 8.9-liter Cummins ISL G engine with cooled exhaust gas recirculation that meets the EPAs 2010 heavy-duty engine emissions standards. McNeilus first plans to offer the CNG technology for Bridgemaster and Standard mixers on either the Kenworth W900 or T800 chassis. Other chassis options are pending.

As with a lot of today’s alternative fuel technology, the equipment is just half the equation. McNeilus has spent several years studying state and federal grants and tax rebates for alternative fueled vehicles, says Mike Wuest, Oshkosh executive vice president and commercial group president, and McNeilus grant specialists will help customers identify and obtain grants and funding for converting their fleets to CNG.